Damian Khaminov is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce Co-op student majoring in Accounting. He chose Dalhousie for its strong co-op program and smaller class sizes, seeking an environment where learning feels personal and hands-on experience comes early. What initially drew him to accounting was less about formulas and more about what sits behind them. “Accounting is a universal language. I enjoy the challenge of analyzing information and finding the meaning behind the numbers.”
That interest has carried into his first co-op this term as a Forensic Advisory and Deals Associate at PwC in Toronto. In this role, Damian supports fraud investigations and dispute-related work, gaining exposure to how financial information is analyzed and applied in real-world contexts. His job search was guided by a clear sense of direction. “I applied early and focused on roles I’d actually be excited to walk into, even on a Monday morning.” Approaching the process with intention helped him stay focused on opportunities that aligned with his interests.
From the start, the culture at PwC stood out. “From associates to partners, everyone has made an effort to welcome me and make me feel like part of the team, not just a short-term student.” He shares that working in an open office environment has made it easy to connect with people across teams and levels throughout the day. Damian also works closely with a career coach who supports his professional development through regular check-ins. “Having someone who sees your potential and takes time to help you grow makes a huge difference.”
Damian’s interest in forensic accounting began before his co-op. In his first year at Dalhousie, he wrote a report on the rise and fall of Enron, which sparked a deeper curiosity about fraud and accountability. That early academic interest now connects directly to his day-to-day work. “Now I’m excited to learn how investigations are conducted in the real world.”
Outside of work, Damian is actively involved in the Dal community. He currently serves as Vice President of External Relations for the Dalhousie Accounting Society and is involved in several other societies, motivated by the opportunity to learn from peers and explore different areas of business. “I’ve always loved getting involved with societies because of the peer support. It’s about being part of a group where everyone is motivated to help each other succeed.”
Networking has played an important role in shaping Damian’s perspective on potential career paths. “It helped me understand what actually interests me from talking to people in the industry.” After participating in the 2025 Toronto Corporate Tour, he gained a clearer understanding of what different roles can look like in practice. He also acknowledges the behind-the-scenes work of Management Career Services in making the tour both possible and meaningful.
Looking ahead, Damian plans to pursue his Chartered Professional Accountant designation. As he continues to build experience, he remains focused on learning, asking questions, and seeing where his curiosity about the stories behind the numbers will take him next.